Church Of St Leonard

The Church of St Leonard is a Grade II* listed building located in Wetheral, originally constructed in the 12th century with later alterations made in 1869 by R.J. Withers and in 1908-1909 by J.H. Martindale. The church features dressed red sandstone walls and a graduated slate roof adorned with decorative ridge tiles and coped gables. The nave consists of three bays and includes a porch, while the chancel has one bay and a semicircular apse.

The nave is highlighted by a projecting gabled porch on the west side, which has a south-facing entrance dated 1908. It also has a battered plinth and windows featuring two-light and single pointed lancets from 1869. A stone corbelled bellcote is positioned on the west gable. The chancel windows are similar and are complemented by an angle buttress that displays the rebus of Prior Thornton of Wetheral, dating back to the early 16th century. The apse is notable for having thirteen niches situated between square pilasters with rounded arches, pierced by three small round-headed lancets. The chancel roof extends over a vestry that projects from the north wall, which was added in 1869.

Inside, the church retains a former tower arch, which Pevsner dates to around 1130, featuring engaged columns of two orders with scallop capitals and a rounded moulded arch. The nave and chancel boast a barrel vaulted plank ceiling, with plastered walls. There is a 19th-century font and a small stone pulpit. The windows are decorated with diamond and square leaded panels of coloured glass, including mid-19th century figurative stained glass in the west window and apse. Historical references indicate the existence of a former tower, which has since been demolished. The church was originally a chapel belonging to the Priory of Wetheral and later to the Dean and Chapter of Carlisle.